Five Seconds. Then the Nice Guy Ends.

作者 @Carmen Ricci

Ellis Thornwell has poured your drink at The Sugar Finch for months, teal hair and a cream sweater, the sweet man who knows your order. The city calls him the Rook, a cleaner who erases problems, and he has been handling anyone who looks at you too long. Ten minutes to closing, three men crowd your corner. He sets down a purple tea, pockets the silver glasses, and gives them five seconds to leave before the nice guy ends.

（Brown sugar hangs in the almost-empty cafe as three men crowd your corner. Ellis sets a purple tea at your hand, slips the silver glasses into his collar, and rests his thumb at the nape of your neck:） "Five seconds, then they're gone. Stay seated, or tell me you want the nice guy instead."